Nicki Minaj backs Trump’s claim that Christians are targeted in Nigeria as officials push back

Rapper Nicki Minaj has voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, sparking debate over violence in the country and how it affects different communities. Speaking at an event organised by the United States mission to the United Nations, Minaj said Christians in Nigeria face serious threats, including burned churches and families torn apart solely because of their faith.

Minaj said her comments were not intended to divide people but to highlight what she sees as a humanitarian issue. She added that standing up against injustice is something she has always believed in. The 42 year old artist, who has openly spoken about her Christian faith in the past, thanked Trump for bringing attention to the situation and for what she described as his leadership on the issue.

However, analysts say the reality is more complicated than a single group being targeted. They note that jihadist organisations and armed groups in Nigeria attack communities of all backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians and those with no religious affiliation. Nigeria’s government strongly rejected the claim that Christians alone are being persecuted, calling it a serious misrepresentation of events.

A Nigerian government spokesperson said that violent extremist groups target anyone who opposes their ideology, regardless of belief. Organisations that monitor political violence in the country also report that many of the victims of jihadist attacks in northern Nigeria are Muslims. Nigeria’s population of more than two hundred million is almost evenly split between Muslims and Christians, with most attacks taking place in the northern region where Muslims form the majority.

Recent incidents highlight the widespread nature of violence. This week, gunmen attacked a church in Kwara state, killing two people and abducting several others. Police confirmed the attack, which took place during an evening programme at the Christ Apostolic Church in the town of Eruku. Local reports say armed men, described by residents as bandits, stormed the building, shot the pastor and forced worshippers to the ground at gunpoint.

At the same time, a group of twenty five schoolgirls were abducted in another part of the country. According to information given to the BBC, the girls were Muslim, underscoring that communities across different backgrounds face grave risks. Footage believed to be from church CCTV cameras showed chaotic scenes, including worshippers running for safety and an elderly woman trying to escape the attackers.

Nigeria continues to struggle with multiple security threats, including banditry, extremist violence and kidnappings for ransom. Human rights groups say civilians pay the highest price no matter their faith or ethnicity. As debate continues around Minaj’s comments, analysts argue that focusing on one community’s suffering risks overlooking the broader crisis affecting millions across the country.